New Delhi: Former Karnataka chief minister and BJP MP D.V. Sadananda Gowda on Monday said he will share his inner feelings soon amid speculation that Congress has contacted him. On his birthday, Gowda expressed discontent over being denied the opportunity to contest from Bangalore North again and said there is nothing left to say that the BJP is a party with a difference in Karnataka.
The BJP shifted Union Minister of State for Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Shobha Karandlaje, from her current constituency of Udupi Chikmagalur Lok Sabha segment to contest from Bangalore North, reported news agency PTI.
Responding to inquiries about his political future, former State BJP president D.V. Sadananda Gowda said, "It is true that I have been contacted by others, it is also true that our party leaders also contacted and discussed with me. Last night a predominant office bearer of our party came to me and tried to pacify me. Various things are happening."
Speaking to reporters on his birthday, D.V. Sadananda Gowda expressed his desire to dedicate the day to spending time with his family and well-wishers. However, he also acknowledged the need to make an important decision regarding his political future. Gowda emphasised the importance of discussing his inner feelings with his family before reaching a conclusion.
"After that, making a decision, I will come before you, and address the media...I have to share my inner feelings. I have to discuss with my family on my decision, after my consciousness, I have to consult my family," he said, as quoted by PTI.
Decided To Refrain From Electoral Politics: Gowda
Notably, D.V. Sadananda Gowda disclosed that he was persuaded by senior state leaders, including BJP National General Secretary and Karnataka in-charge Radha Mohan Das Agarwal, to contest in the upcoming elections, particularly from Bangalore North. Gowda revealed that he had initially decided to refrain from electoral politics but was convinced otherwise.
"I had decided to stay away from electoral politics, but I was pulled back asking me to contest by all senior state leaders, but no one came to my rescue at the last minute, and have caused some embarrassment to me", he remarked.
Further noting that ups and downs and embarrassments are common in politics, the former union minister, however, said despite knowing things, sacrificing someone for selfish motives will hurt.
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Shobha Karandlaje, who met with D.V. Sadananda Gowda to extend birthday wishes, expressed confidence in the BJP's strength and unity. Dismissing Congress's attempts to sway leaders like Gowda, Karandlaje asserted that the opposition party's efforts would be futile. She emphasised Gowda's stature as a former chief minister and a senior leader within the BJP, highlighting his extensive experience in holding significant ministerial positions at the Centre, as per PTI.
"He is our senior leader, Congress will not be successful in this. Let them contact whoever they want, everyone will support Narendra Modi and will work towards making him PM once again", she said.